To Dance in Cuba

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

I stumbled on this documentary last night about legendary Cuban dancer and choreographer, Pedro Ruiz. The film is called "Coming Home : Pedro Ruiz" and details Ruiz's return to his native Cuba to choreograph a new dance. I just loved seeing the beautiful dancers, hearing Ruiz's story and, of course, getting a glimpse into Cuban culture which is at once both so African and Spanish. You know, totally Kinky Gazpacho.

Watch the full episode. See more THIRTEEN Specials.

Did anybody else watch the film? I'm sure it will replay again on PBS soon so check your local listings or view it online. So totally worth it. Now I really want to go to Cuba. Anybody been recently? Tell us about it.

I'm listening.

Peace!

The Newest Member of the Kinky Gazpacho Family

Just an update.

We got a dog.

Actually, I went out with my 6-year old son to buy some school clothes and we came home with a new dog. Needless to say, he was an impulse buy.

So why am I sharing this on the Meltingpot? Because Diego (that's the dog) isn't just any old puppy. He's a Havanese! If you've never heard of a Havanese dog, you're not alone. Until Diego jumped into my arms, I hadn't either. And I know dogs. As it turns out, the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. It is a breed that apparently is now rare in Cuba and more popular in the United States and the U.K. but still, he's a completely Cuban (via the Spanish aristocracy) creation. And...wait for it...he's black/Black.

Do you see the karmic synergy here? He's a Black Cuban (with roots in Spain) like my whole family of SpaNegros. He fits right in. He is my third Black/Spanish "son." How could I not adopt him?

Wish me luck in my new role as mother to a multicultural dog.

Peace/Paz!

p.s. the dog in the foto is a model, not Diego.